A man starting over after the death of his wife finds himself caught off guard by the feelings engendered in him by the woman at the coffee shop he sees every morning in this romance set in the hockey world. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Cannon by Sawyer Bennett, along with getting my impressions of it, then add this sixth installment in the Pittsburgh Titans series to your bookshelf!
Cannon West left his hockey playing days behind to care for his dying wife but has since found success on the other side of the bench. Now, as the youngest head coach in league history, he’s hoping to lead the Pittsburgh Titans to a winning season. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship, but life sometimes takes us in another direction.
The Pittsburgh Titans are still working to move on from the tragic plane crash that forever changed the landscape of their organization. Having lost my wife, I know all about grief and the guilt of survival which makes me uniquely equipped to take this team to the next level. From the very first time I stepped inside the Titans’ arena, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.
New to town, I’m still establishing my routine, but I have the most important aspect under control—the coffee shop where I stop on my way to the arena every morning. A strong cup of java and the gorgeous manager who I can’t help but chat up is quickly becoming my favorite way to start the day. But no matter how much I enjoy the blush that stains Ava Cavanaugh’s cheeks with my admittedly awkward attempt at flirting, I know it will never be more than brazen banter with a new friend. My job consumes almost all my time, and I know firsthand what that level of commitment can do to a relationship.
That doesn’t mean I’m not open to some fun. My career comes first, but Ava understands my boundaries. The only problem is that once I give into her temptation, the rules I set for myself become blurred, and my mixed signals hurt Ava—the one thing I promised I wouldn’t do. I’ve put myself in what seems to be an untenable situation, but I’ve faced those before. Now I need to find the strength to move past my fears, or risk losing my second chance at love with the woman who has stolen my heart.
*THE AUDIO COPY IS NARRATED BY STEPHEN DEXTER AND MACKENZIE CARTWRIGHT.*
*BUY THE DIGITAL OR SIGNED PRINT COPY DIRECTLY FROM MS. BENNETT here. DIGITAL FILES WILL BE SENT VIA BOOKFUNNEL TO READ ON THE DEVICE OF YOUR CHOICE.*
*FIND THE ENTIRE PITTSBURGH TITANS SERIES here.
MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:
The emotional fallout from the tragedy of the plane crash that befell the Pittsburgh Titans hockey team continues to ripple through each subsequent book, weaving each installment into a tapestry of healing and second chances. Those elements permeate this tale as both the hero and heroine have been hurt by their pasts and are determined not to get hurt again. But the heart wants what the heart wants as boundaries once set get pushed aside in the name of love.
Ten years ago Cannon West walked away from playing hockey to care for his dying wife, but he's returned now and is quickly seeing success as a coach. Knowing how much time and energy his job requires though means setting boundaries for himself when it comes to relationships. It's all about keeping things casual and having fun...and his morning order of Ava is just what he needs to start his day with a smile. Not wanting to hurt her though he tries to keep his boundaries in place but she's too much of a temptation that pushes all of his buttons and pokes at his boundaries. Cannon's an immensely likable hero, one with a strong sense of loyalty and a caring heart. He and Ava are a delightful pairing with fun and flirty banter that heartwarmingly evolves into something more. There were a few times though that I wanted to slap Cannon for his fears/his indecision, but luckily he was surrounded by secondary characters who did the job for me which helped him grow closer and closer to Ava.
Ava Cavanaugh's been unlucky in love too. Her recent relationship was with a cheating boyfriend who caused her to lose her apartment and start over completely. She's a tough heroine though, one who rolls with the punches and never gives up. She's determined to succeed on her own terms, independent-minded to stand up for what she wants and needs in a relationship that pushes every emotional button. She and Cannon have a crackling connection, fun and flirty, with sensual and blush-inducing interactions that kept me glued to the pages.
On a whole this was another satisfying story from Ms. Bennett with a likable main couple and a relationship that you could become immersed in completely. The connection between Cannon and Ava evolved realistically, beautifully balancing sweet with steamy as I rooted for them to find their HEA. Time off the ice as lovers was also a perfect balance to Cannon's burgeoning coaching career, giving readers insight into the art of coaching and a more in-depth look at the players. With each turn of the page I found this a delightful journey bringing together two people looking to start over, two people not wanting to hurt others, and just looking for love and support. Though there were one or two bumps along the way (the melodrama of Cannon's ex mother-in-law being the most irritating) I kept rooting for them in a relationship that evolved realistically and was full of heart and soul. With this recent release in the Pittsburgh Titans series readers will be left rooting for the team's resurrection, for the success of couples both on and off the ice, all while counting down the days until the next satisfying story hits bookshelves!
My rating for this is an A-/B+
*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
AUTHOR INFO:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
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